Social Work Services News

This news item expired on 12/24/2013, so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.

Changes to CIP Eligibility Requirements

The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a federally funded program that provides assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. The goal of the CIP program is to help families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By doing so, this reduces the risk of health and safety problems such as illness, fire or eviction.

Recently, new eligibility requirements for CIP have been added.

A household that applies must:

Must be a Buncombe County resident

Have at least one U.S. Citizen or a noncitizen who meets certain eligibility criteria

Meet an income test (150% poverty level)

Be in a heating or cooling related emergency

Have final notice for electric and gas or 6" oil or less in tank (based on extreme temperatures)

A household must now meet ONE of the additional factors to qualify:

Medical Risk Documented. Household member is susceptible to current temperatures due to a medical condition. CIP is not allowed if the only concern is keeping medication refrigerated.

Child in the home under age 6 that is susceptible to current conditions.

Elderly member in household age 60 or older who is susceptible to current conditions.

Other factors, such as life threatening temperatures, may also be considered to determine CIP eligibility.